WHAT'S ON Sydney Fringe Festival is officially back, and we’ve rounded up the weirdest, wildest and most wonderful shows happening
BY: Kartya Vucetic
Ladies and gents, it’s time to roll up, because the Sydney Fringe Festival is finally back. This year marks its 14th year of taking over the month of September, bringing some of the best theatre, comedy, music, cabaret and other unclassifiable performances to town.
Recognised as the state’s largest independent arts festival, this year brings over 400 shows across 70+ venues around Greater Sydney. Think anything from comedy at Newtown dive bars to cabaret-theatre on stage.
Let’s be real, as far as we’re concerned, the world is your oyster for the entirety of this month. Because the point of Sydney Fringe isn’t about polish performances, it’s about discovering emerging voices, underground creators and left-of-centre ideas that might not survive anywhere else.
In other words: it’s the month Sydney gets a little weirder, louder and braver. Scroll below to find our favourite picks.
Elixir Revived
Image: Supplied
Elixir Revived definitely makes for our top fave so far, and for good reason. It’s been described as a Cirque du Soleil meets a Magic Mike show, which let’s be real, is everything we could ever ask for really. The high-octane circus and physical theatre mash-up blends acrobatics, live music and cheeky chaos that’s become a cult hit at past festivals.
- WHEN: Until Sunday 12 October
- WHERE: The Vault, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
- HOW MUCH: From $45
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Rachel Rayner: Atomically Correct
Image: Sydney Fringe
Science meets sequins in this comedy-meets-physics set from Rachel Rayner, who manages to make atoms funnier than they have any right to be. Expect laughs, glitter and maybe even a new appreciation for your Year 10 chemistry teacher.
- WHEN: Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 September
- WHERE: Newtown Hotel
- HOW MUCH: $25
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
When The Night Comes
Atmospheric theatre that plays with movement, sound and light to explore what happens when dusk tips into darkness. It’s moody, immersive and tailor-made for anyone who likes their theatre with a side of existential dread.
- WHEN: Until Thursday 16 October
- WHERE: Union Bond Store, Sideshow at The Rocks
- HOW MUCH: $32
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Dorothy In Oz
Image: Sydney Fringe
A wild cabaret-theatre spin on The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy swaps Kansas for something much more chaotic. With glitter, satire and Toto like you’ve never seen him, this one’s strictly adults-only in the best possible way.
- WHEN: Until Sunday 28 September
- WHERE: Cabaret Hub, Marrickville Town Hall
- HOW MUCH: From $55
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
The Racist Immigrants
Image: Sydney Fringe
A razor-sharp comedy skewering the contradictions of multicultural Australia. Unapologetic and biting, it’s exactly the kind of live performance that leaves you laughing first and thinking later.
- WHEN: Until Saturday 27 September
- WHERE: Erskineville and Marrickville Town Hall
- HOW MUCH: From $30
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
Kate Bush Unmoored
Image: Sydney Fringe
An immersive, dreamlike performance piece channelling the spirit of Kate Bush thanks to a renowned twelve person ensemble. It’s surreal, theatrical, and a little bit unhinged. If you’ve ever wished Wuthering Heights was on stage, now’s your moment.
- WHEN: Until Saturday 13 September
- WHERE: Off Broadway Hub, Eternity Playhouse
- HOW MUCH: $30
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
24 Hours in Kings Cross
Image: Sydney Fringe
A raw, electric portrait of Sydney’s most infamous neighbourhood, told through theatre, music and lived experience. It’s gritty, messy and guaranteed to feel more honest than your last night out there.
- WHEN: Until Saturday 20 September
- WHERE: Sean and Dolly’s, Woolloomooloo
- HOW MUCH: From $38
- CHECK IT OUT HERE.
